Is White Tank Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

White Tank Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at White Tank Campground before I book?

Yes! White Tank Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit White Tank Campground?

White Tank Campground is open Open season runs from September 2 to May 31. The campground is closed from June 1 to September 1 due to summer conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at White Tank Campground?

White Tank Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does White Tank Campground have?

White Tank Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at White Tank Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at White Tank Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at White Tank Campground?

White Tank Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

White Tank Campground

4.50

211 reviews

White Tank Campground, Pinto Basin Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Top 2% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park Desert Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,832 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Joshua Tree National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,832 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Joshua Tree National Park Official Website

Get Directions

White Tank Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554jotr_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to White Tank Campground

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Campground Map

White Tank Campground, Pinto Basin Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground, Pinto Basin Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Nearby places

Twentynine Palms (11 miles, approximate travel time 20 minutes), Cottonwood Visitor Center (28 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at White Tank Campground

Best Time to Camp at White Tank Campground

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Fall is listed as a peak season with comfortable daytime temps and wide access to trails and stargazing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season runs from September 2 to May 31. The campground is closed from June 1 to September 1 due to summer conditions.

About White Tank Campground

White Tank Campground sits in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park near Twentynine Palms, operated by the National Park Service. Set among giant boulders, the small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Its location provides easy access to nearby trails, though popular routes like Arch Rock can bring foot traffic through the area.

White Tank Campground is a first-come, first-served facility that caters to tent campers and smaller RVs/trailers. The campground is known for its scenic desert setting and proximity to iconic rock formations.

Elevation3832 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive granite boulders. Formed over 100 million years ago from molten rock. Surround the campsites and create natural alcoves throughout the area. Joshua trees, actually members of the agave family, grow between the rock formations. Arch Rock sits within walking distance, a natural stone window carved by wind and erosion. The high desert landscape offers clear views and exceptional stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at White Tank Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 30 days per year, with a maximum of 14 nights allowed between October and May.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of six people per campsite is allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available. Occupation is first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThere are no ADA-accessible campsites at White Tank. Roads are unpaved and terrain can be uneven, though most campsites are relatively flat.

Site SizeCampsites are varied in size, with some being described as 'huge,' such as Site #12, which can accommodate up to three tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site; while some are secluded and shielded by boulders, others are close to the road and experience foot traffic from nearby trails.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking privacy should opt for sites farther from the road or near large boulders to shield against noise and foot traffic. Sites near the Arch Rock Trail may experience heavier foot traffic.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets frequent mentions for size. It can fit three tents. Site 11 offers better privacy thanks to boulder placement. Site 4 works well for tent campers looking for isolation from the road. Sites closer to Arch Rock Trail see more foot traffic and noise from hikers.

Amenities available

White Tank Campground provides a range of basic amenities suited to its rugged desert surroundings. The campground features 15 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available for use, but there are no shower facilities, no potable water, and no hookups for electricity, water, or sewage. Campers are advised to bring their own water and firewood, as these are not available on-site. Trash and recycling are provided year-round. As one user noted, 'The sites each have a picnic table and a pit for fire. The sites are relatively small and close by so you will want to be aware of your noise levels.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

White Tank Campground offers unique recreational opportunities due to its location among immense granite boulders. Campers enjoy stargazing, hiking, and exploring nearby rock formations. The dark skies make it ideal for night photography, and the campground is near popular attractions like Arch Rock and Heart Rock.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

211 reviews

Top-Rated

White Tank Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

White Tank Campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, proximity to trails like Arch Rock, and its excellent stargazing conditions. However, common complaints include the lack of water and cell service, and issues with foot traffic.

Review Summaries

Based on 211 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 211 reviews.

Site #12Mentioned
Site #12 is described as 'huge' and capable of accommodating three tents.
Site #15Mentioned
Site #15 experiences significant foot traffic due to its proximity to a trail.

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's setting among boulders, the clean vault toilets, and the ease of accessing nearby trails. One user noted, 'Beautifully placed among the giant boulders, this campground...

Based on 211 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of privacy at certain sites, foot traffic from hikers, and the absence of potable water. One reviewer remarked, 'Kids showing up all night long. We parked at the end of...

Based on 211 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early (8-9 AM) to secure a site, bringing ample water, and being mindful of noise levels due to site proximity.

Based on 211 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is closed during the summer (June 1 - September 1) due to high temperatures exceeding 100°F. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and...

Based on 211 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'My favorite campground in the park. Lots of space between spots, centrally located, very clean, great restrooms, and smaller.' 2. 'If the sign says the campground is FULL, believe it! Don't drive...

Based on 211 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks ADA-compliant features. Roads are unpaved, and the terrain is uneven, making it less accessible for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 211 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Users have noted that rangers enforce leash rules strictly.

Based on 211 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a small, scenic base camp for day hiking Joshua Tree's trails and don't mind some foot traffic.

Skip if

You need privacy from trail users or guaranteed site availability during busy seasons.

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Campgrounds

Joshua Tree National Park

White Tank Campground

About Joshua Tree National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding White Tank Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.

Directions

From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove. Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.